Sikkim High Court Confirms Conviction of Grandson for Raping His 80-Year-Old Grandmother
Isabella Mariam
The Sikkim High Court has upheld the conviction of a 24-year-old man who was found guilty of repeatedly raping his 80-year-old maternal grandmother. The appellant was sentenced under Sections 376(2)(f) (rape against a relative), 376(2)(n) (repeated rape on the same woman), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
The case came before the High Court after the appellant challenged the decision of the Fast Track Sessions Court. According to the facts of the case, the elderly victim had been living with her daughter, son-in-law, and the appellant when, upon returning from a visit to West Bengal, her daughter discovered the victim missing from the home. She later found her mother at a neighbor’s house, where the victim revealed that her grandson had raped her. The victim had previously lodged an FIR, in which she reported that her grandson would often chase and molest her when intoxicated. She also mentioned that he had been imprisoned earlier and had threatened to kill her if she disclosed his actions.
The High Court upheld the Trial Court's judgment, noting that it had carefully examined the evidence, including the delay in reporting the incident. The Court recognized the victim’s hesitance to speak out due to the perpetrator being her grandson. Despite this, the Court found no reason to disbelieve the victim, stating that it was unlikely for an elderly woman to make such an allegation unless she had no other option. The Court further observed that the victim’s testimony in trial was consistent with her statement in the FIR and the medical examination did not rule out the possibility of sexual assault. The High Court upheld the conviction of the appellant.
Case Title: Mahesh Chettri Vs State of Sikkim
Case No : Crl.A.No. 07 of 2023
Coram : Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan
[Read/Download Judgment]
